South African sensation Tyla has officially cemented her place on the global stage after winning World Artist of the Year at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The event, held on March 17 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated the most-played artists and songs across iHeartRadio platforms, making Tyla’s victory a significant milestone in her career.
Tyla’s Global Impact
Before the awards, Tyla earned nominations in three categories:
• World Artist of the Year (which she won)
• R&B Song of the Year
• Dance Song of the Year
Her win in the World Artist of the Year category is particularly monumental, as she triumphed over heavyweight artists such as Bad Bunny, BTS, BLACKPINK, and Shakira. The award acknowledges her contribution to bringing African music to a worldwide audience and further solidifies her status as a global star.
Tyla’s Rise to Fame
The 22-year-old singer’s self-titled debut album, released in 2024, debuted at number 24 on the US Billboard 200—a rare feat for an African artist. The album features her breakout hit “Water,” which skyrocketed to number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100, making her one of the biggest African exports in contemporary music.
A Milestone for African Music
Tyla’s victory at the iHeartRadio Music Awards is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a historic win for African music on the world stage. As Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African genres continue to dominate international charts, Tyla’s success signals a growing global appreciation for African artistry and culture.
With this milestone, Tyla joins the ranks of African artists making waves worldwide, and if her trajectory is anything to go by, this is just the beginning of an even bigger global takeover.
